We last saw Sylvan Esso at MidPoint Music Festival in 2015, where many thought it was easily the highlight of the festival. Last night, Sylvan Esso and Helado Negro played to a sold-out crowd at Bogart’s.

Helado Negro, who opened up the night, has a deep, commanding voice. Its rich tone filled the hall, and his frenetic energy contrasted distinctly with the two costumed dancers slowly moving on the dimly lit stage. Between the shadowy atmosphere, the hypnotic rhythms, and Negro’s sultry voice, the crowd seemed enrapt.

Next up was the headliner, Sylvan Esso, an addicting pop duo from Durham, North Carolina comprised of singer/songwriter Amelia Meath and producer Nick Sanborn. The two have said they intentionally attempt to use the voice as an instrument so that it becomes difficult to separate the music from the lyrics.

Sylvan Esso put all they had out there from the beginning. While singer, Meath, effortlessly owns the stage, you can feel the amount of production that Sanborn brings to the mix. Meath comes across as not the least bit self-conscious, dancing up a storm, while Sanborn looks to be having a blast.

The packed house sang and danced along with Sylvan Esso the entire set. A highlight was when the first few notes of “Coffee” started and the crowd went wild.

Sylvan Esso is a band not to missed live and we can’t wait for them to come back to visit us in Cincinnati.

Set List:
Sound
Could I Be
Kick Jump Twist
Dress
Signal
Die Young
Song
Coffee
Wolf
Just Dancing
Uncantena
Hey Mami
H.S.K.T.
Radio

Encore:
Rewind
Play It Right